In a move that signals the beginning of a new era in computing, a leading tech giant has officially unveiled the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer. Unlike classical computers that use bits (0 or 1), this system uses qubits, allowing it to process calculations in seconds that would take today's fastest supercomputers several millennia.

The immediate applications are expected to be in the fields of drug discovery and material science. For instance, the quantum computer can simulate complex molecular interactions with absolute precision, allowing pharmaceutical companies to develop life-saving drugs in months rather than decades. Similarly, it could lead to the development of new superconductors and hyper-efficient batteries for renewable energy.

However, the arrival of quantum computing also poses a significant threat to global cybersecurity, as current encryption methods could be easily cracked. Consequently, the tech giant also released a suite of "quantum-resistant" encryption protocols today, urging institutions to begin the transition immediately. This marks a "Y2K-level" event for the digital world, requiring a complete overhaul of how we protect data.